Spitfires and Hurricanes flypast leaves onlookers in awe

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Published:13:25Updated:16:18Tuesday 15 September 2015

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CROWDS watched in awe as a flypast involving more than 30 Spitfires and Hurricanes took to the skies to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Prince Harry has joined veterans to see the fleet of aircraft take to the air - the largest number to fly above Britain since the Second World War.

The royal was meant to be in one of four two-seater planes. However, due to a technical fault, one of the planes was pulled from the display.

The prince willingly gave up his seat to allow veteran Spitfire pilot and Battle of Britain veteran, Wing Commander Tom Neil, now 95, to take to the air once more.

Mr Neil is leading the formation from the rear seat of a two-seat Spitfire.

He is being joined by wounded service personnel that have been training to fly Spitfires as part of the Spitfire Scholarship arranged by the Boultbee Flight Academy.

Spitfire Picture: Richard Cooke PPP-150914-110718001

Many of the planes took off from Goodwood’s Aerodrome without a problem, flying back over the crowds in formation.

However, one of the Spitfires was forced to abort its run at the end of the runway owing to an apparent technical fault.

Spitfires, Hurricanes and Blenheims from across the Europe, the UK and US are in attendance for the display, which will be taking place in the sky above the south of England.

The flypast is being held on Battle of Britain Day, the name given to September 15, 1940, when the Luftwaffe launched its largest and most intense attack against London.

Prince Harry, at Goodwood Aerodrome in West Sussex, during his 31st birthday, prior to taking part in the Battle of Britain Flypast to mark the 75th anniversary of victory in the Battle of Britain. 'Picture:: John Stillwell/PA Wire PPP-150915-114247001

The aircraft left the runway shortly after 2pm, following a two-hour delay due to poor weather.

Many of the aircraft will be returning to Goodwood with some landing at airfields elsewhere in the nation.